Tsavo West National Park is one of Kenya’s most famous conservation areas, located in the southeastern part of the country, between the Chyulu Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro. Covering over 9,000 square kilometers, Tsavo West offers a wide range of wildlife experiences, dramatic landscapes, and stunning vistas.
For those who want to experience the park in a more exclusive and time-efficient way, flying safaris are a perfect option. Flying into Tsavo West is made possible through several well-maintained airstrips located throughout the park. These airstrips are primarily used for charter flights, allowing tourists to easily access the park and enjoy its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. In this guide, we explore the major airstrips in Tsavo West, including their locations, facilities, and the experiences they provide.
1. Overview of Flying Safaris in Tsavo West
Flying safaris are a popular and convenient way to explore Tsavo West National Park, especially for visitors who want to avoid long road transfers and maximize their time in the park. Charter flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, and other nearby airstrips make it possible to fly directly into Tsavo West and experience the park’s wildlife without the lengthy drive.
Benefits of Flying Safaris in Tsavo West:
- Time Savings: Flying directly into the park reduces the time spent on road travel, allowing visitors more time to explore wildlife hotspots.
- Scenic Aerial Views: The aerial views of Tsavo West’s landscapes, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Chyulu Hills, and the vast plains, provide a unique and breathtaking perspective of the park.
- Access to Remote Areas: Flying safaris allow for easy access to remote parts of the park, where large wildlife populations, including elephants, big cats, and buffalo, roam freely.
2. Major Airstrips in Tsavo West National Park
There are several airstrips within Tsavo West that facilitate flying safaris. These airstrips serve both charter flights and scheduled flights and are located strategically to give visitors easy access to the park’s various attractions.
A. Kilaguni Airstrip
- Location: Located in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, Kilaguni Airstrip is the most central airstrip, serving as the gateway for most visitors.
- Coordinates: Latitude 3.4211, Longitude 38.2763
- Distance to Main Attractions: Approximately 15 km to Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and 20 km to Mzima Springs.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by road from Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and other nearby accommodations. The airstrip is connected by safari vehicles to key lodge accommodations within the park.
- Facilities: Kilaguni Airstrip is a well-maintained airstrip with basic facilities, including a waiting lounge, runway for small aircraft, and baggage handling services. Charter flights and scheduled flights (from Mombasa and Nairobi) use this airstrip frequently.
- Usage: This is the primary airstrip for accessing Tsavo West for most tourists, providing direct flight access to central parts of the park, such as Mzima Springs, Chyulu Hills, and Kilaguni Lodge.
B. Ziwani Airstrip
- Location: Situated near Ziwani Lodge, this airstrip serves visitors looking for an exclusive safari experience in the northern part of Tsavo West.
- Coordinates: Latitude 3.5674, Longitude 38.2436
- Distance to Main Attractions: Located about 10 km from Ziwani Lodge, this airstrip provides quick access to Ziwani’s private game drives, which are less crowded and offer an immersive safari experience.
- Accessibility: Ziwani Airstrip is used mainly by Ziwani Lodge guests and offers private transfers directly from the airstrip to the lodge or surrounding attractions.
- Facilities: Ziwani Airstrip is smaller but offers basic services for charter flights. It’s ideal for tourists seeking a more intimate and less crowded experience in the park.
- Usage: Ziwani Airstrip is less frequently used than Kilaguni Airstrip, catering mainly to those visiting the northern areas of Tsavo West and Ziwani Lodge.
C. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Airstrip
- Location: Located on the border of Tsavo West, this airstrip serves both Tsavo West and the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a key wildlife area to the west of the park.
- Coordinates: Latitude 3.4813, Longitude 38.3905
- Distance to Main Attractions: Approximately 15 km from the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and 30 km from the Chyulu Hills area of Tsavo West.
- Accessibility: The airstrip is often used by tourists visiting both Tsavo West and Taita Hills, with road transfers connecting visitors to accommodations like Sarova Taita Hills Lodge and Taita Hills Safari Camp.
- Facilities: Basic facilities are available at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Airstrip for handling charter flights and transfers. It is not as busy as Kilaguni Airstrip, but it offers essential services for those visiting the Taita Hills area.
- Usage: Visitors using this airstrip are typically either on a combined Tsavo West-Taita Hills safari or staying in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary accommodations.
D. Chyulu Hills Airstrip
- Location: This airstrip is located near the Chyulu Hills, a region famous for its stunning volcanic landscape, rolling hills, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Coordinates: Latitude 3.3252, Longitude 37.9734
- Distance to Main Attractions: About 25 km from Chyulu Hills National Park, and approximately 40 km to Tsavo West’s more central areas like Mzima Springs.
- Accessibility: Ideal for visitors wanting to explore the Chyulu Hills, the airstrip connects to several luxury lodges in the area, including Ol Donyo Lodge and Chyulu Hills Camp.
- Facilities: Chyulu Hills Airstrip is designed for charter flights and features essential facilities like a small terminal for incoming and outgoing flights.
- Usage: This airstrip is primarily used by tourists focused on exploring the Chyulu Hills and the volcanic region, offering easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Tsavo West.
3. Booking Flights to Tsavo West Airstrips
Flights to Tsavo West’s airstrips can be arranged through charter flight operators or Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) approved safari companies. There are no direct scheduled commercial flights to these airstrips, so charter flights are the primary option for those looking to fly into the park.
Booking Process:
- Charter Flights: Most flights are booked through Kenya Wildlife Service-approved companies, or directly with airlines and private operators that handle flights to Tsavo West.
- Flight Schedules: Flights are generally available in the morning and afternoon. Flights from Nairobi and Mombasa are common, and most flights arrive in Tsavo West in about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the nearest major cities.
- Lodging Transfer: Once visitors land at any of the airstrips, they can take a short road transfer to nearby lodges or camps. Many accommodations in Tsavo West offer transfers as part of the safari package.
4. Accommodation Options for Flying Safari Visitors
There are several accommodation options available for visitors arriving at the Tsavo West airstrips, from luxury lodges to affordable camps.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: Located near Kilaguni Airstrip, this is one of the most popular and luxurious options in the park. It offers excellent game viewing and stunning views of the Chyulu Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge: Located near Taita Hills Airstrip, it provides comfort, luxury, and a great base for game drives within Tsavo West.
- Ol Donyo Lodge: A luxury lodge located in the Chyulu Hills, offering high-end safari experiences with a focus on conservation and cultural engagement.
- Mzima Springs Camp: This camp is located near Mzima Springs, a famous area in Tsavo West, offering basic but comfortable accommodations and great wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. Conclusion
Tsavo West National Park is a jewel of Kenyan wildlife conservation, and the airstrips within the park provide a unique and efficient way for visitors to experience its expansive landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether flying into Kilaguni, Ziwani, Taita Hills, or Chyulu Hills, a flying safari allows guests to save time, access remote areas, and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of one of Africa’s most iconic national parks. With its well-maintained airstrips, ample wildlife viewing opportunities, and a range of accommodation options, Tsavo West continues to be a top destination for those seeking a quintessential Kenyan safari experience.